Business and community opportunities and benefits
Stage Two of the Tour de France Grand Départ passing through Westmorland and Furness provides a rare opportunity to showcase the area’s fantastic landscapes, communities and local pride to a global audience.
The Tour de France is one of the largest free annual sporting events in the world:
- the race attracts around 10 to 12 million spectators each year
- it is broadcast in more than 180 countries worldwide
- television audiences reach around 150 million people across Europe
- the 2014 Grand Départ in Yorkshire generated an estimated £131 million for the local economy. A similar or greater impact is expected in 2027
It is expected the Grand Départ will attract circa 750,000 extra visitors to Cumbria over the two stages it is here.
We recognise that our communities and businesses will want to get involved and benefit from this amazing opportunity to showcase everything that makes this area so special.
The experience from the Tour de France Grand Départ in Yorkshire in 2014 shows how local communities, businesses, towns and villages fully engaged with the Tour by ‘yellowing’ up and organising events and activities.
You can find out more about the JOY Social Impact Programme and how communities can play their part on our How to Get Involved page.
The potential legacy for Westmorland and Furness
From Yorkshire's experience we expect there will be a huge benefits and a valuable long-term legacy for our area, including:
- more spending with local businesses
- new business and event opportunities
- positive community experience
- reinforcing our reputation as a great cycling destination
- big visitor numbers in 2027 and for following years
- new volunteer experience in our communities
Business information
There will be significant opportunities for businesses before and after the event. These include:
- providing overnight accommodation and hospitality for visitors
- Tour de France related campaigns, events and special offers to increase footfall
- Tour de France themed displays to attract customer attention
If you are a business looking to maximise the long-term benefits in the run up to, during and beyond the event in July, Cumbria Tourism has developed a Tour De France toolkit.
It includes tips and advice for Cumbria businesses to start tapping into the excitement, strengthen visibility and help amplify Cumbria’s message to the world.
Impact on businesses
There will be traffic management in place. Check for details so you can plan ahead on our Tour de France traffic management page.
Encouraging people to cycle
Events like the Tour de France can help encourage people to cycle more often, with all the benefits that brings to our community through reducing car traffic and boosting people's physical and mental health.
Find out more about how to take up cycling on Cumbria Travel Actively's website